Paxman and Johnson are old sparring partners on Newsnight, having provided some of its most memorable – and comical - interviews.

In 2009, Johnson poked fun at Paxman’s “elephantine” salary and asked him: “Why don’t you get yourself a proper job instead of just sitting around telling politicians what to do all the time?”

BBC Newsnight / Twitter

“The usual convention, Boris, is that I ask the questions,” sighed Paxman.

In 2011, the pair locked horns again.

Paxman introduced Johnson as “Mayor of London, cyclist and hairdressers’ despair” before attempting to get the better of him in a grilling about his political ambitions.

“What’s the difference between you and David Cameron?” Paxman asked.

“Well, I’m Mayor of London and he’s Prime Minister. I’m older than him and considerably heavier. I beat him at tennis the other day,” replied Johnson, describing the line of interrogation as “when-did-you-stop-beating-your-wife questions”.

Johnson then turned the tables and invited Paxman to become leader of the Tory Party.

“I think my chances of leading the Conservative Party are slightly less good than your chances, Jeremy. What about it? Down the line, Dave’s eventually going to pack it in."

A BBC spokesman said Paxman's final edition of Newsnight would not be turned into a tribute show but would include “a nod” to his departure.

Paxman announced earlier this year that it was “time to move on” from Newsnight, adding that he “should rather like to go to bed at much the same time as most people”.

He will continue to present University Challenge and other occasional projects for the BBC.

When his departure was announced, BBC director-general Lord Hall praised Paxman as “a rare and dazzling talent”, adding: “He has a unique ability to create moments of real discomfort for politicians and memorable delight for audiences.

“For that cussed brilliance and much more besides, the BBC and our audiences will always be in his debt.”